Valparaiso public meetings in 2022
54 substantive meetings from 2022, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will meet Thursday, December 22, 2022, to review a project by owner Rylee Briel for The Puppy Emporium at 1101 Calumet Avenue. The committee will also discuss other issues of importance.
- The Puppy Emporium project at 1101 Calumet Avenue, owner Rylee Briel
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board continued several variance petitions for Drive & Shine facilities to January 2023 to allow for design revisions. A petition for a walk-in cooler at 902 Calumet Ave was also continued pending written justification and removal agreements. The 2023 meeting schedule was approved.
- Approved November 16, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
- Continued VAR22-019 (walk-in cooler at 902 Calumet Ave) to January meeting pending written justification and removal agreement (4-0)
- Continued VAR22-016 (car wash at 2501 Calumet Ave) to January 18, 2023 (4-0)
- Continued VAR22-017 (lube center at 2511 Calumet Ave) to January 18, 2023 (4-0)
- Continued VAR22-018 (car wash at 109 Porters Vale) to January 18, 2023 (4-0)
- Approved 2023 meeting schedule (4-0)
Board of Works
The Board of Public Works & Safety approved a labor agreement with the Valparaiso Firefighters Local 1124 running through 2025. Other actions included approving a police scanner contract and a street signing services agreement. The board also approved a charitable fund agreement for a disability conference.
- Approved agreement with Valparaiso Firefighters Local 1124 for Jan 1, 2023 to Dec 31, 2025 (2-0)
- Approved $19,992.03 contract with FARO Technologies for a handheld scanner (2-0)
- Approved not-to-exceed $9,500 contract with Site Services for street signing and painting (2-0)
- Approved Pass-Through Fund Agreement with Porter County Community Foundation (2-0)
- Approved PTASP/Safety Management System Plan annual update (2-0)
- Approved Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement for Tom Steindler (2-0)
- Approved Section 125 Flexible Benefit Plan Compliance Document (2-0)
- Approved December 8, 2022 meeting minutes and claims for payment (2-0)
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will not meet on Thursday, December 15, 2022, because there are no projects to review. This is a cancellation notice with no decisions or proposals.
- Meeting cancelled due to no projects to review
City Council
The Council approved a $40,000 appropriation for the Park & Rec General Fund. Three other ordinances regarding water improvements and Memorial Parkway financing were carried to the January 9, 2023 meeting.
- Adopted minutes of November 28, 2022 meeting (7-0)
- Approved Ordinance No. 30, 2022 appropriating $40,000 in Park & Rec General Fund (7-0)
- Carried Ordinance No. 29, 2022 regarding $23M water improvements to Jan 9, 2023 (7-0)
- Carried Ordinance No. 31, 2022 regarding $27M appropriation of bond proceeds to Jan 9, 2023 (7-0)
- Carried Ordinance No. 32, 2022 regarding General Obligation bonds for Memorial Parkway to Jan 9, 2023 (7-0)
Redevelopment Commission
The Redevelopment Commission approved the 2023 budget and a final payment for the Linc project. Members also authorized a term sheet for the redevelopment of 16/18 Indiana Ave and approved engineering payments for downtown trail work.
- Approved final draw of $453,078.36 for Linc project (unanimous)
- Approved President to sign Agreement for Journeyman Project dirt and mica relocation (unanimous)
- Approved term sheet for 16/18 Indiana Ave redevelopment including $350,000 purchase price (unanimous)
- Approved 2023 Budget (unanimous)
- Approved $21,230 Engineering Reimbursement Agreement for Downtown-TOD trail work (unanimous)
- Approved closing date extension for Journeyman project buildings to January 31, 2023 (unanimous)
- Approved November 10, 2022 meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Approved November Claims Register and October financial Report (unanimous)
Board of Works
The Board of Public Works & Safety approved a $4.7 million reimbursable grant for a sports complex and authorized several infrastructure and safety contracts. Decisions included approving a body camera agreement and a Flock Safety camera system. The Board also addressed building code matters and street closures.
- Approved $4.7 million READI Grant Agreement for Sports Complex (2-0)
- Approved Utility body and dash cam agreement at $94,032 per year (2-0)
- Approved Flock Safety camera system installation for 10 cameras at $28,850 (2-0)
- Approved $9,100 supplemental agreement with RQAW for SR 130 intersection (2-0)
- Approved CCMG 2022-1 Road Improvements Change Order #3 for no additional cost (2-0)
- Approved Neighborhood Grant Sidewalk Change Order #1 with net decrease of $37,602.90 (2-0)
- Recertified 1.171 additional miles of roads to INDOT (2-0)
- Approved City Vehicle Use Policy (2-0)
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will not meet on December 8, 2022, because there are no projects to review. This is a procedural cancellation.
- Meeting cancelled due to lack of projects
Plan Commission
The Valparaiso Plan Commission will hold a third meeting on an alternate plan for The Brooks PUD on Vale Park Road, and will hear two new rezoning requests: one for five parcels on Jefferson and Campbell streets to Planned Unit Development, and another for six parcels near Burlington Beach Road and Memorial Parkway to CA-Campus and PS-Public Space. The latter request will be carried over to January due to deficient notice. The commission will also adopt November meeting minutes and set the 2023 meeting schedule.
- Third hearing on Brooks PUD alternate plan on 3.45 acres north of Vale Park Road
- Rezone of 258-262 Jefferson St and 106 Campbell St to Planned Unit Development
- Rezone of 160 acres near Burlington Beach Rd and Memorial Parkway to CA-Campus and PS-Public Space (carried to January)
- Adoption of November 1, 2022 meeting minutes
- Approval of 2023 meeting schedule
Site Review
The Valparaiso Site Review Committee will meet to review the Grand Gardner Hotel PUD at 354 Jefferson Street. No other specific projects or decisions are listed.
- Grand Gardner Hotel PUD at 354 Jefferson Street
City Council
The Council held a first reading for an ordinance to establish a Municipal Riverfront District to allow for potential liquor licenses along Salt Creek. The ordinance and a Park & Rec fund appropriation were both carried over to the December 12 meeting.
- Approved minutes of November 14, 2022 meeting (7-0)
- Carried Ordinance No. 28, 2022 (Riverfront District) to December 12 meeting (7-0)
- Pulled Ordinance No. 29, 2022 (Waterworks revenue bonds) from agenda to December 12 meeting
- Carried Ordinance No. 30, 2022 (Park & Rec General Fund appropriation) to December 12 meeting (7-0)
Site Review
The Valparaiso Site Review Committee will not meet on November 17, 2022, due to no projects to review, nor on November 24, 2022, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. The agenda is entirely procedural cancellations.
- No projects to review on November 17, 2022
- Meeting cancelled for Thanksgiving on November 24, 2022
Board of Works
The Board approved several infrastructure contracts, including sidewalk program increases and a pavement coring agreement. It also accepted a right-of-way dedication for Burlington Beach Road and a waiver of annexation for a property on Campbell Street. Additionally, the Board approved a cost reimbursement agreement for a railroad trail crossing.
- Approved Burlington Beach Right-of-Way dedication (3-0)
- Approved S. Campbell St. Buried Utility Project Change Order #1, decreasing contract by $42,582.37 (3-0)
- Approved Professional Services Agreement with Abonmarche Consultants not to exceed $10,000 (3-0)
- Approved Right-of-Way Dedication and Waiver of Annexation for 4509 Campbell (3-0)
- Approved General Service Agreement with Rich Hudson for surveying services (3-0)
- Approved contract increase for Boyd Asphalt from $49,450.00 to $52,150.00 (3-0)
- Approved Engineering Cost Reimbursement Agreement with Chicago/Fort Wayne Eastern Railroad for $21,230.00 (3-0)
- Approved Annual Sidewalk Program Change Order #1, adding $19,936.76 to Package 3 and $62,074.40 to Downtown Package (3-0)
Mayor's Advisory Human Relations Council
The Council approved the August 9, 2022 meeting minutes and decided that the Community Spotlight will now be scheduled on an as-needed basis rather than as a required agenda item. Members also reported progress on planning for Disability Awareness Month in March 2023.
- Approved August 9, 2022 meeting minutes
- Decided by consensus that Community Spotlight is no longer a required agenda item
- Formed a committee for March 2023 Disability Awareness Month programming
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will not meet on November 17, 2022, because there are no projects to review, and will also not meet on November 24, 2022, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Board of Zoning Appeals
The Board of Zoning Appeals approved a use variance to allow the Central Valparaiso Self-Storage facility to expand toward Roosevelt Road. The approval is contingent on the use being limited to mini warehouse storage units with no outdoor storage.
- Approved Use Variance UV22-006 for self-storage expansion at 1202 Formula Drive (4-0)
- Approved meeting minutes from October 19, 2022 (4-0)
City Council
The Common Council adopted an ordinance to establish councilmanic districts and a fiscal plan for the IN-49 & Vale Park Rd annexation. The Council also amended the 2023 Salary Ordinance to add a City Services Business Operations Manager position.
- Adopted Ordinance No. 25, 2022 to establish councilmanic districts (7-0)
- Adopted Resolution No. 19, 2022 adopting a fiscal plan for the IN-49 & Vale Park Rd annexation (7-0)
- Carried Ordinance No. 26, 2022 (IN-49 & Vale Park Rd annexation) to the January 23, 2023 meeting (7-0)
- Adopted Ordinance No. 27, 2022 to add City Services Business Operations Manager to the salary ordinance (7-0)
- Approved minutes of the October 24, 2022 meeting (7-0)
Board of Works
The Board awarded a road reconstruction contract for South Campbell at Brown and approved a new contract for Valparaiso FOP Lodge #76. They also accepted public improvements for Hawthorne East Subdivision Phase 2 and approved several material testing proposals. A façade and sign grant for Simko Buildings LLC was tabled.
- Awarded South Campbell at Brown reconstruction bid to Milestone Contractors North, Inc. for not to exceed $1,806,309.51 (2-0)
- Approved Valparaiso FOP Lodge #76 contract including specialty pay and K-9 Unit funding (2-0)
- Approved public improvements and $61,062.10 maintenance bond for Hawthorne East Subdivision Phase 2 (2-0)
- Approved $7,654.20 material testing proposal for 2022 Sidewalk Improvements (2-0)
- Approved $3,501.40 material testing proposal for Building Demo Backfill Testing 2022 (2-0)
- Tabled Simko Buildings LLC façade and sign grant until November 23, 2022 (2-0)
- Approved street closures for Sturdy Road NB lane and Evans Avenue on November 14, 2022 (2-0)
- Approved closure of Canadian National Railroad crossing at Roosevelt on November 14, 2022 (2-0)
Redevelopment Commission
The Redevelopment Commission approved initial lease forms and a public hearing notice for the Sports Park project, which has a not-to-exceed budget of $27 million. The board also approved a utility installation agreement for South Campbell Street and a right-of-way dedication. A draft budget was discussed but not voted upon.
- Approved Series A and Series B Lease forms for Sports Park project (Unanimous)
- Approved publication of public hearing notice for Sports Park leases (Unanimous)
- Approved deed of dedication for 40 foot right of way at 500 N (Unanimous)
- Approved South Campbell St. utility agreement with Meade Electric not to exceed $129,555.00 (Unanimous)
- Approved October 2022 Claims Register and September 2022 Financial Report (Unanimous)
- Approved October 20, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will meet to review a project involving Al Cagle Industrial System Maintenance at 2901 Bertholet. The committee will also discuss other issues of importance.
- Project review for Al Cagle Industrial System Maintenance at 2901 Bertholet
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will meet on November 3, 2022, to review a project by Poettinger US, Inc. at 2855 Montdale Drive. No other items are listed on the agenda.
- Review of Poettinger US, Inc. project at 2855 Montdale Drive
Plan Commission
The Valparaiso Plan Commission will consider a 203-acre annexation at IN-49 and Vale Park Rd, and an updated development plan for a 3.45-acre parcel in The Brooks PUD.
- Annexation and zone assignment for ~203 acres at IN-49 and Vale Park Rd
- Approval of Alternate Plan and Change in Development Standards for The Brooks PUD parcel (3.45 acres, north of Vale Park Rd between Windsor Tr and Winter Park Dr)
The Commission recommended zoning for a 203-acre annexation area near IN-49 and Vale Park Rd to the Common Council. A request for an alternate plan for The Brooks PUD was continued and sent to site review due to disagreements over water main looping.
- Approved October 4, 2022 minutes (8-0)
- Continued Case PUDA22-001 (The Brooks PUD) and sent to site review (9-0)
- Approved Petition A22-001 and recommended zoning for 203-acre annexation to Council (6-0)
Board of Works
The Board of Public Works & Safety approved a three-year Transfer Station Utilization Agreement with Homewood Disposal Services and several sidewalk and patching change orders. The board also authorized a disbursement for the Brooks Subdivision and approved the 2023 meeting and holiday schedules.
- Approved Transfer Station Utilization Agreement with Homewood Disposal Services (2-0)
- Approved Brooks Development Disbursement Request No. 9 for $28,491.54 (2-0)
- Approved Annual Sidewalk Package 1 Change Order #1 with $86,370.90 net decrease (3-0)
- Approved Annual Sidewalk Package 2 Change Order #2 with $9,433.25 net decrease (3-0)
- Approved 2022 HMA Full Depth Patching Change Order No. 1 for $38,394.00 (3-0)
- Approved Winter Weather Policy amendments (3-0)
- Approved Vector Solutions software renewal agreement for $8,195.00 (3-0)
- Approved street closures for Race the Region events and Indiana Avenue (3-0)
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will meet to review a project for Lean Kitchen Company at 1615 Calumet Avenue and discuss other issues. The owner, Justin Skains, is listed as the contact.
- Review of Lean Kitchen Company project at 1615 Calumet Avenue
City Council
The Council adopted the 2023 salary ordinance (6-0), giving most employees up to 4% raises and 18 employees a $1,000 increase. A redistricting ordinance was tabled to the November 14 meeting after public input and discussion. A preliminary bond resolution for the Memorial Drive extension (up to $5.81M) was also approved (6-0). The Valpo Sports and Recreation Campus project was presented as a $30M project with a planned summer 2024 opening.
- Adopted 2023 salary ordinance (6-0)
- Tabled redistricting ordinance to November 14 meeting (6-0)
- Approved preliminary bond resolution for Memorial Drive extension, not to exceed $5.81M (6-0)
- Approved minutes of October 10, 2022 meeting (6-0)
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will not convene on October 6, 2022. The meeting was cancelled because there are no projects to review.
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will meet on September 29, 2022, to review specific projects. The agenda includes a review of the Hilltop Soup Kitchen at 608 Union Street and Prime IV Hydration & Wellness at 1703 Calumet, Unit B.
- Review of Hilltop Neighborhood House, 608 Union Street
- Review of Prime IV Hydration & Wellness, 1703 Calumet, Unit B
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will not convene on September 22, 2022. The meeting was cancelled because there are no projects to review.
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will not convene on September 15, 2022. The meeting was cancelled because there are no projects to review.
Site Review
The Site Review Committee is meeting to review two specific project sites. The committee will discuss these projects and other issues of importance.
- Review of Ivy Rehab at 2502 Calumet Avenue, Suite 3
- Review of Ryan Fire Protection at 3715 Bowman Drive
Plan Commission
The Plan Commission is considering a 160-lot subdivision called Iron Gate and a 15-lot subdivision called Jackson’s Corner. The body will also address a request to continue a development standards case for The Brooks PUD to October 4.
- Secondary plat for 160-lot Iron Gate subdivision on 79 acres along south side of 500 N
- Primary plat for 15-lot Jackson’s Corner subdivision at Roosevelt Rd and Evans Ave
- Request to continue PUDA22-001 for The Brooks PUD (3.45 acres on Vale Park Rd extended)
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will not convene on Thursday, August 25, 2022. There are no projects scheduled for review at this time.
Site Review
The Site Review Committee is meeting to review two specific projects. The committee will discuss developments at 3505 Redbow Drive and 3800 Calumet Avenue.
- Review of 15B Development at 3505 Redbow Drive
- Review of Costas Restaurant Group at 3800 Calumet Avenue
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will not convene on Thursday, August 11, 2022. There are no projects scheduled for review at this time.
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will not convene on Thursday, August 4, 2022. There are no projects scheduled for review at this time.
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will not convene on Thursday, July 28, 2022. There are no projects scheduled for review at this time.
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will not convene on Thursday, July 21, 2022. There are no projects scheduled for review at this time.
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will convene to review specific projects and discuss other issues of importance. The meeting is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. at the Memorial Opera House.
- Review of projects at 104 Indiana Avenue
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will not convene on Thursday, July 7, 2022. There are no projects scheduled for review at this time.
Plan Commission
The Valparaiso Plan Commission is meeting to discuss the approval of Resolution No. 1-2022. This resolution concerns the creation of a new allocation area.
- Resolution No. 1-2022: Approving Creation of New Allocation Area
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will not convene on June 23, 2022. The meeting was cancelled because there are no projects to review.
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will meet to review a project involving Pratt Industries, Inc. at 3050 Anthony Pratt Drive. The meeting also includes discussion of other issues of importance.
- East Truck Parking Lot - 3050 Anthony Pratt Drive
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will not convene on June 9, 2022. The meeting was cancelled because there are no projects to review.
Plan Commission
The Valparaiso Plan Commission is meeting to discuss the Elevate Valpo Draft Downtown Vision Plan. No other new or old business items are listed on the agenda.
- Elevate Valpo - Draft Downtown Vision Plan
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will not convene on June 2, 2022. The meeting was cancelled because there are no projects to review.
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will not convene on May 19, 2022. The meeting was cancelled because there are no projects to review.
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will not convene on May 5, 2022. The cancellation is due to there being no projects to review.
Plan Commission
The Plan Commission will consider a petition for secondary development plan approval. The proposal involves platting one development parcel of approximately two acres within the Lakes of Valparaiso PUD.
- Secondary development plan for 3520 Lake Mead Circle
- Platting of one development parcel of approximately two acres
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will not convene on April 21, 2022. The meeting was cancelled because there are no projects to review.
Plan Commission
The Valparaiso Plan Commission will not meet on Tuesday, April 5th, 2022. The cancellation is due to a lack of agenda items.
Plan Commission
The Plan Commission will consider a petition from Kamber Properties, LLC. The petitioner is requesting to rezone the property at 2006 Warbler Dr from Campus (CA) to Commercial General (CG).
- Rezoning of 2006 Warbler Dr from Campus (CA) to Commercial General (CG)
Site Review
The Site Review Committee will not convene on February 24, 2022. There are no projects scheduled for review at this time.
Plan Commission
The Valparaiso Plan Commission will consider a second reading for a petition by Lennar Homes of Indiana, Inc. The proposal involves a 160-lot subdivision known as Iron Gate Subdivision.
- PP21-003: Primary plat for 160-lot Iron Gate Subdivision
- Petition filed by Lennar Homes of Indiana, Inc.
Plan Commission
The Plan Commission is considering primary plats for the Westwind and Iron Gate subdivisions. The body will also review a replat for a property on Barley Rd and elect officers for 2022.
- PP21-002: Primary plat for 210-lot Westwind Subdivision
- PP21-003: Primary plat for 160-lot Iron Gate Subdivision
- RP21-003: Replat of Lot 2 in Appletree Ventures Minor Subdivision at 2650 Barley Rd
- PUD21-003: Rezoning request by Lennar Homes of Indiana withdrawn
- Election of officers for 2022